Updated July 1, 2015

The Missouri State Library and MOREnet offer an enhancement to the REAL program to provide Internet connectivity for public library branches. MOREnet managed connections at branch libraries will enable libraries to enhance resource sharing and implement library automation systems.

The Missouri State Library and MOREnet provide Internet connectivity for public library branches that became part of the program prior to July 2011. Due to funding constraints, no new branches can be added at this time.

Effective July 1, 2015, if a library terminates a MOREnet managed connection to a branch library location, that branch location will no longer be eligible for a REAL Program funded connection.

If a library or library system decides to terminate MOREnet Membership Services through the REAL Program they have the option to reapply for the REAL Program in the future. Libraries must be in good standing with MOREnet. Approval by the Missouri State Library of new or returning libraries for REAL Program membership will be based on availability of funding.

If a library terminates a MOREnet managed connection to a branch library location, that branch location will no longer be eligible for a REAL Program funded connection. The library may contract with MOREnet for a MOREnet managed connection but will be responsible for the full amount of service fees, after E-rate. This policy will be reviewed if additional funding is restored to the REAL Program in FY17 and following years.

A one-time exception is made for those libraries that dropped branch connections during FY15 (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015) as a result of the restriction of the REAL Program funding. Those branch connections may be reinstated for REAL Program funding, subject to approval of the State Library and availability of funding. Libraries must notify the State Library by September 30, 2016 of their intent to reinstate the connection. The connection must be converted to a MOREnet managed connection by the end of FY16 to be eligible for reinstatement.

If a library or library system decides to terminate their MOREnet managed connection to the main library or administrative headquarters they have the option to reapply for the REAL Program subsidy for this connection in the future. Libraries must be in good standing with MOREnet. Approval by the Missouri State Library of connectivity requests for the main library or administrative building will be based on availability of funding for the REAL Program.

A Technology Plan is no longer required for Internet access as a part of the REAL program. However, a Technology Plan is still required to receive discounts on Priority 2 services (internal connections) under the E-rate program.

Beginning FY12 the REAL Program will coordinate upgrade requests to more closely manage the REAL Program budget for telecommunications costs. Libraries can submit upgrade requests during announced periods.

The Missouri State Library recognizes that wireless Internet access can be an important component of a libraryÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚Â¢s public services. Responsible management of wireless networks ensures the safety and reliability of the libraryÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚Â¢s technical infrastructure, bandwidth usage, and the integrity of Internet use by the public. Additionally, guidance by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD), who administers the federal E-rate program, prohibits wireless access outside an organizationÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚Â¢s property line.